Causes of Democracy’s Likely Demise

BY LOUIE OVERSTREET

Democracy in America is on life support. The reason: a catastrophic failure of the four pillars upon which it rests. The pillars are the legislative, charged with lawmaking; the executive, responsible for implementation of the laws; the judiciary, required to interpret the laws; and the media, which — at its best — should provide unbiased monitoring of the other three pillars. 

The four pillars are not failing at the same rate. However, the load bearing capacity of each has been compromised, and they are also leaning to the right, due to ill winds blown by overzealous Christian nationalists. 

Being a member of Congress has become such a cushy job that our legislators are more than willing to go along with all manner of evil, rather than face a primary challenger. 

The executive branch views corruption as a cottage industry. And the justices recently appointed to the Supreme Court are so beholden to the present president that they have made at least five disastrous decisions explicitly designed to relegate women and people of color to a status familiar to all who understand what American life was like before 1964. 

If you are paying attention, you have every right to be frightened — before that right is also taken away. Thus far, my incomplete count is that four major rights have been taken from us: Affirmative steps to correct past injustices; Women’s right to choose; Unfettered right to receive vaccinations for yourself and children; Reversed the right to serve in the military, regardless of sexual orientation 

Before our right to vote is also taken away, you need to vote as if … 

1. Your land is on fire. 

2. Your house is flooding. 

3. Your water is not safe to drink. 

4. Your brother is gay. 

5. Your sister is lesbian. 

6. Your child is transgender. 

7. Your spouse is an immigrant. 

8. Your parents need medical care. 

9. Your family member is a victim of gun violence. 

10. Your skin is not white. 

Assuming we can still vote in November, our asses need to show up to the polls — because our very way of life depends on the outcome of the election.